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Spearhead — Light Up Ya Lighter
Album: Yell Fire!
Avg rating:
5.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 539









Released: 2006
Length: 4:43
Plays (last 30 days): 0
(no lyrics available)
Comments (208)add comment
 rtrudeau wrote:
This guy falls into the same category as Rush Limbaugh: loud mouth numbskull.

 
Franti's loud about the right things. Limpballs supports wars for profit. I'd say they're about as opposite as can be.
This guy falls into the same category as Rush Limbaugh: loud mouth numbskull.
Westslope,
 
Thank you for your post.  We in the U.S. tend to gloss over the fact that we are the No. 1 terrorist state on the planet.  Our government or those we have elected (or our supreme court selects) claim all that U.S. war activities are for the purpose of bringing democracy to the poor down trodden souls that are oppressed by the tyranny of their government (in many cases pretending to forget the U.S. installed or supported the tyrannical government).  Franti's tune is a very good protest song, which has sparked (as apparent from the comments on this page) some controversy and discussion of the issue.  That is a good thing.  The war is wrong, but in my opinion all war is wrong.    


 
westslope wrote:

No.  Not just as blindly pro-American terrorism tactics as you probably are.

Look, we all LOVE colonialism.  Smart, culturally superior people kill and take resources from disorganized "inferior people", turn the country into a military powerhouse or perhaps "make the desert bloom".

It's just that colonialism no longer gives the desired net benefits (to the conquering people) it once did.

In the early 21st century, the USA has clinched the dubious honour of being the No. 1 terrorist state in the world.  In this decade, the US has killed more innocent children and grandparents than any other nation state.   Do you really think the US and her close allies are more secure as a result?


 


What a tragic song. Not because I disagree with the politics, but because it just sucks. Bad lyrics with no musical talent behind them. 

31

Weapons are the tools of violence;
all decent men detest them. Weapons are the tools of fear;
a decent man will avoid them
except in the direst necessity
and, if compelled, will use them
only with the utmost restraint.
Peace is his highest value.
If the peace has been shattered,
how can he be content?
His enemies are not demons,
but human beings like himself.
He doesn't wish them personal harm.
Nor does he rejoice in victory.
How could he rejoice in victory
and delight in the slaughter of men? He enters a battle gravely,
with sorrow and with great compassion,
as if he were attending a funeral.

32

The Tao can't be perceived.
Smaller than an electron,
it contains uncountable galaxies. If powerful men and women
could remain centered in the Tao,
all things would be in harmony.
The world would become a paradise.
All people would be at peace,
and the law would be written in their hearts. When you have names and forms,
know that they are provisional.
When you have institutions,
know where their functions should end.
Knowing when to stop,
you can avoid any danger. All things end in the Tao
as rivers flow into the sea.
https://acc6.its.brooklyn.cuny.edu/~phalsall/texts/taote-v3.html

 prickelpit96 wrote:
Maybe jpfueler would think different if his parents were survivers of war in a completely broken town (no blame for the American troops in 1945, the guilt was German, no discussion. But have a look at what war means)
The entire downtown 1945: (click here)
 
Yes, the nazis brought it upon themselves, but no, the allies hands are not clean by far.

I don't think the blame for the "broken towns" is completely on the german side, I've read about commander "bomber" harris and his "moral bombing" campaigns, he basically tried to kill as many civillians as possible, believing to destroy their "morale" (hence moral bombing). he scientifically planned his campaigns to maximize effectiveness (kill as many people as possible). The bombing of Dresden is a fine example of this senseless massacre. In any case, if the allies had lost, many of these bombings would have counted as war crimes IMO. Besides that, the campaigns are/were ineffective, there are many examples that show that bombing civillians only strengthens their resolve, not weakens it which only adds to the shame of many germans civillian deaths and fine german medieval towns being destroyed.


seems like this guy missed his calling, he should have went into politics (or join some revolutionary army) because music doesn't really seem his major talent/passion.
 Poacher wrote:

Someone has to write and sing about important issues. There are not enough in my opinion. . . what happened to protest songs? 
 


This is not a protest song, it is simply naive rant! There is a big difference between the two.
Fire! Fire! Fire!

How refreshing to hear someone actually saying something of relevance in a song these days.
Shut up!
Listen again - the lyric is "Osama's" - different consonant, very different person.

 
jamesat43 wrote:

A lot of people hating his lyrics, but I really thought 

"...and nobody knows where Obama's Bin Hidin'"

was a clever rhyme.

jt 
 


 jamesat43 wrote:

A lot of people hating his lyrics, but I really thought 

"...and nobody knows where Obama's Bin Hidin'"

was a clever rhyme.

jt 
 
Nah, he probably got that from the SNL sketch where a terrorist called "Whos Bin Farteen" was mentioned.

 sqqqrly wrote:

You are a Taliban supporter?
 

No.  Not just as blindly pro-American terrorism tactics as you probably are.

Look, we all LOVE colonialism.  Smart, culturally superior people kill and take resources from disorganized "inferior people", turn the country into a military powerhouse or perhaps "make the desert bloom".

It's just that colonialism no longer gives the desired net benefits (to the conquering people) it once did.

In the early 21st century, the USA has clinched the dubious honour of being the No. 1 terrorist state in the world.  In this decade, the US has killed more innocent children and grandparents than any other nation state.   Do you really think the US and her close allies are more secure as a result?





A lot of people hating his lyrics, but I really thought 

"...and nobody knows where Obama's Bin Hidin'"

was a clever rhyme.

jt 
 Hippostar wrote:

Perhaps, but I certainly wouldn't like to live with the hatred and contempt this singer has.
 
Someone has to write and sing about important issues. There are not enough in my opinion. . . what happened to protest songs? 
Yep, that's our Michael Franti!!

 
xkolibuul wrote:
Still speaking the truth.  No matter who's president.  
 


 Sloggydog wrote:

To the lovers of peace, to those who love the magic of music and poetry and its power to unite, to all the freaky people who make the beauty of the world, and most of all to me my brother.

Seeing him again in a couple of weeks and gonna sweat my arse off to the funky grooves again.  Best live band i've ever seen. 
 
Perhaps, but I certainly wouldn't like to live with the hatred and contempt this singer has.

 Tim_in_N_FL wrote:

I concur...was about to write the same sentiment when I saw yours.  To what demographic does Franti "preach"?  He seems to have his devout followers...
 
To the lovers of peace, to those who love the magic of music and poetry and its power to unite, to all the freaky people who make the beauty of the world, and most of all to me my brother.

Seeing him again in a couple of weeks and gonna sweat my arse off to the funky grooves again.  Best live band i've ever seen. 
 cleric wrote:

The politics don't bother me, but the music ... my Lord, how awful.


 
I concur...was about to write the same sentiment when I saw yours.  To what demographic does Franti "preach"?  He seems to have his devout followers...

 xkolibuul wrote:
Still speaking the truth.  No matter who's president.  
 
Its an old problem that goes back a long time (before presidents):

Only 19 people have been twice issued the medal of honor.

One of them wrote this (in 1935):

War is a Racket! It always has been.

https://tinyurl.com/alvc2



 Westsiders wrote:
it is interesting to see how Mr Franti has evolved musically, if not lyrically, though... it would be hard to see the Disposable Heroes of HipHoprisy getting airtime on RP... so I guess that is saying something for his career...
 
Is that where I know him from,  I bought their album years ago (they got play on my local NPR station) & never heard anything about them again.

 hippiechick wrote:
Great song! A 21st Century version of a protest song.
 
Indeed.   this is going in my music library.  definitely. 

Still speaking the truth.  No matter who's president.  

The politics don't bother me, but the music ... my Lord, how awful.


it is interesting to see how Mr Franti has evolved musically, if not lyrically, though... it would be hard to see the Disposable Heroes of HipHoprisy getting airtime on RP... so I guess that is saying something for his career...
Great song! A 21st Century version of a protest song.
 

Yet another string of vacuous slogans from Mr. Franti.  You gotta to give it to the guy, he has a consistent brand message.



Hey Yo, It's an antiwar song. Remember, we had plenty of 'em during the Viet Nam war. It doesn't support the enemy, it's just a call to bring 'em (the troops) home. Besides, Afghanistan has been a war zone forever, and we're not going to change that by losing American lives.
He sounds like a highly political pyro-maniac, if you ask me. He really likes to yell fire.
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
Fire! Fire!
this one totally made my day!
sqqqrly wrote:
Gotta keep supporting those Afgan rebels. Also known as the Talaban, you know those guys that enforced the strictest interpretation of Sharia law ever seen in the Muslim world.
Welcome to radio paradise, Area Man. (click here)
snowak wrote:
the same reason most euro singers try to sound american - target audience.
What the hell? Franti is not a slave to his audience, he is a slave to his art. If you listen to his lyrics he is just a free spirited liberal guy who likes Reggae. His intent isn't to appease a demographic and milk it for money. His intent is to make music that he enjoys performing and spread a message of peace and love while he's at it.
thewiseking wrote:
throw yer hands up frat boys, as a dreadlocked imbecile spews freshman wanker campus politics.
There's an elephant in the room good king
sqqqrly wrote:
You are a Taliban supporter?
You are a Freeper troll? If you had actually paid attention to the lyrics (yeah, we know it can be hard sometimes) you'd see nothing about supporting the Taliban anywhere in this song, as annoying as the song might be.
the same reason most euro singers try to sound american - target audience. Alpine wrote:
This guy was born in Oakland, CA. Why does he have that stupid, pretentious, "Rasta" accent. Who is he fooling? He sounds like an idiot. I can understand why Brittany Spears was speaking with a British accent, she is mentally ill. What's this wannabe's excuse?
thewiseking wrote:
throw yer hands up frat boys, as a dreadlocked imbecile spews freshman wanker campus politics.
Most real frat boys that I've known were Republicans and wouldn't have thought much of this songs' lyrics.
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
Fire! Fire!
I have followed the post on this song for nearly 2 years...this is absolutely the best so far!
sqqqrly wrote:
You are a Taliban supporter?
yes that's what I am saying, I love the taliban . . . moron! You probably voted for bush each time
perfect song for beavis and butthead.
Tell me President tell me if you will How many people does a smart bomb kill? How many of 'um do ya think we got? The General says we never miss a shot We never ever ever keep a body count We kilin so efficently we can't keep count UNTRUE?
throw yer hands up frat boys, as a dreadlocked imbecile spews freshman wanker campus politics.
Sucky white reggae, straight outta the mean streets of Berkeley CA.
sqqqrly wrote:
You are a Taliban supporter?
Funny...
It never makes no sense It never makes no sense Fire fire fire light up ya lighter Fire fire fire Armegedon is a deadly day Armegedon is a deadly way They comin for ya everyday While Senators on a holiday The army recruters in the parking lot Hussilin the kids they juggilin pot Listen young man listen to my plan Gonna make you money Gonna make you a man Bom Bom Here's what you get An M-16 and a Kevlar vest Ya might come home With one less leg but this thing'll surely keep a bullet out'cha chest So come on come on Sign up come on This one's nothing like Vi-et-nam Except for the bullets Except for the bombs Except for the youth that's gone ((Chorus)) So we keep it on Till ya commin home Higher and higher Fire fire fire light up ya lighter Fire fire fire So we keep it on Till ya commin home Higher and higher Fire fire fire light up ya lighter Fire fire fire Yeah Tell me President tell me if you will How many people does a smart bomb kill? How many of 'um do ya think we got? The General says we never miss a shot We never ever ever keep a body count We kilin so efficently we can't keep count In the Afgian hills The rebels still fightin The opeium fields Keep on providin The best herowin the money can buy And Nobody knows where Osama bin hidin The preee confrances keep on lieing Like we don't know So we keep it on Till ya commin home Higher and higher Fire fire fire light up ya lighter Fire fire fire So we keep it on Till ya commin home Higher and higher Fire fire fire light up ya lighter Fire fire fire So Mr.Engine Engine #9 Machine guns on the New York transit line The war for oil is a war for the beast The war on terror is a war on peace Tellin you they gonna protect you Tellin you that they support the troops and Don't let 'um fool you with their milk and honey No They only want your money One step forewards and two steps back Yup one step forewards and teo steps back Why do Veterns get no respect? PTSD and a broken back Take a look at where your money's gone Seen Take a look at what they spend it on No excuses no illusions Lift up ya lighter bring 'um home So we keep it on Till ya commin home Higher and higher Fire fire fire light up ya lighter Fire fire fire So we keep it on Till ya commin home Higher and higher Fire fire fire light up ya lighter Fire fire fire So we keep it on Till ya commin home Higher and higher Fire fire fire light up ya lighter Fire fire fire So we keep it on Till ya commin home Higher and higher Fire fire fire light up ya lighter Fire fire fire Yea Fire fire fire Yeah ya know So light up ya lighter Fire fire fire.
jjbix wrote:
the guy has an annoying tone about him but the lyrics speak the truth
You are a Taliban supporter?
the guy has an annoying tone about him but the lyrics speak the truth
Fire! Fire!
I like M. Franti. This song, however, is painfully annoying.
xyphen wrote:
I'm looking at the ratings and the comments and wondering if the song is being rated on its own merits or on its political statement?
Gotta keep supporting those Afgan rebels. Also known as the Talaban, you know those guys that enforced the strictest interpretation of Sharia law ever seen in the Muslim world.
Got to be based on the message. That song is terrible, and I'm liberal as hell! sucko-barfo!
In that vein I'll give it a ten for the political content. With the current climate the poor boys could be lost in jail any day now.
This guy was born in Oakland, CA. Why does he have that stupid, pretentious, "Rasta" accent. Who is he fooling? He sounds like an idiot. I can understand why Brittany Spears was speaking with a British accent, she is mentally ill. What's this wannabe's excuse?
xyphen wrote:
I'm looking at the ratings and the comments and wondering if the song is being rated on its own merits or on its political statement?
nah, I'm fine with the sentiment, it's just that I find the lyrics banal.
I'm looking at the ratings and the comments and wondering if the song is being rated on its own merits or on its political statement?
tiggers wrote:
Am I the only one who can see the irony of an American criticising the UK over gun crime?
Nope. But when I read all those comments from people that love their holy war faaaaar away from their homes I just become sad or aggressive... This is what 'we' learned from history: WAR IS EVIL. Maybe jpfueler would think different if his parents were survivers of war in a completely broken town (no blame for the American troops in 1945, the guilt was German, no discussion. But have a look at what war means) The entire downtown 1945: (click here)
jpfueler wrote:
How's the gun crime goin over yonder?
Am I the only one who can see the irony of an American criticising the UK over gun crime?
freddyfender wrote:
Screw you, I will protect myself thank you. The ridiculous argument of "We great patriots protect all those sissy lefties so they can protest our great country" has worn incredibly thin. There hasn't been a justifiable war since WW II. The constitution protects my right to free speech and dissent, not a collection of ignorant red-necks who join Blackwater so they can shoot and kill innocent civilians in their own country. If there is ever a clear and present threat to the U.S.A, I will be at the ready to do whatever is needed to protect my country. I see that your occupation is "chemical mixer". Perhaps you should wear a mask and you can save whatever is left of your deteriorating brain.
the stuff I mix is rather harmless, and gets used to save folks asses quite often. Blackwater has folks who tend not to be rednecks. Nor do they tend to be stupid. But keep up the good feelings. When will the left then fight? Is there anything worth fighting for? Sorry...wrong questions. . . How would you have solved Iraq? How do you propose to solve Iran?(don't expect me to be for invading either. . I've got other ideas that'd work) Fix Darfur too, and Somalia (That's one of Clinton's messes still festering, I'm sure eventually we'll have to go back.) So far the left's way to fix things has a worse track record than Bush's. And before any one points to the Balkans, remember, we still have troops there. How many years later? What justifies a war to you? oppressed peoples doesn't seem to be it. xkolibuul wrote:
Uh, hoss, we all have given y'all the last 7 years to elaborate on the south-of-Ft. Worth version of reality, and frankly: ya done made a real hash of it. So, thanks for the offer, but the frat party's over. Sure could use some help cleaning up the mess, though, let us know when the fog lifts.
no fog here, but I'm not originally from these parts. My home state's Dem controlled policies have hemorrhaged businesses, jobs and people, causing some of the highest unemployment in the nation...Last one out of Michigan, turn out the lights. I'm hoping to get a real fiscal and governmental conservative in the house next election. Bush is too big gov't and until recently, never saw a spending bill he didn't like...I wonder about why the left hates him so much...he gave them so much of what they wanted...Big Gov't(TM DNC, and too many Rs as well) never works well (Katrina? great work by the local left and FEMA, no surprise to me. . I lived in N.O. for a time as well)
tiggers wrote:
Sitting in the UK, drinking a ncie cup of Earl Grey and enjoying reading the 'rednecks' on here getting all hot under the collar becuase of a few song lyrics. For that alone it gets a 9 from me!
How's the gun crime goin over yonder? How many folks did they put in prison this year for defending themselves? Maybe if the British Empire had done a better job in it's Mideastern relations over the years we could have avoided these cockups? Earl Grey....got some around here and it is cold...I will give y'all that advantage though...is 8am Tea Time? it is now
Uncle_Fenester wrote:
Your version of "reality" might carry more weight if your location were South O' Baghdad instead of South O' Fort Worth. Public opinion polling of Iraqis shows the vast majority sees us as occupiers, believes our presence is making things worse, and wants us out. But if you are convinced this little imperialist adventure of ours is noble and just, why aren't you there participating? Maybe a bit too much "reality" for you?
So sorry, but my current positional situation has litte bearing on the truth. The Chicken Hawk moniker is so passe. If you are so certain it isn't the way to go, why aren't you over there leading negotiations with AQ and Mookie Al Sadr? Besides...I'd 4F if my old ass tried to enlist...Too much fun when I was able and arthritis will prevent me from enlisting, so I'm working somewere I can be a help to society and have even helped Iraqi's(and Jordanians) with some of my work. Can you say that? Well? As AL Anbar Awakening and now Shia joining the Awakening movement show, we are starting to convince the locals we are there for them, not to occupy. The "resistence" has, from the start, been a majority of foreign fighters and those who were opressing the populace before we showed up. AQ has done a grand job of late, offending the locals. This, and the fact we are actually bringing help and change to the nation, has helped grandly in bringing many of those actual local resistance groups to work WITH us and stop shooting at us. They have learned that by working with us and bettering the place, we will leave faster and all that left's rantings they have heard that we are there to Steal the Oil" and "Imperialistic Occupations" are so much trash. You want an opinion from Bagdad? Try this: "Frankly, I don't understand why so many mock us for wanting a future for Iraq. Is your hatred for George Bush so great that you prefer to see millions of civilians suffer just to prove him wrong? It really comes down to this: you are determined to see Iraq become a permanent hellhole because you hate Bush. And we are determined to see Iraq become a success, because we want to live."">(click here)
Sitting in the UK, drinking a ncie cup of Earl Grey and enjoying reading the 'rednecks' on here getting all hot under the collar becuase of a few song lyrics. For that alone it gets a 9 from me!
It's not what he's saying, it's the way he's saying it. This kind of banality isn't doing the argument any favours. In fact...
Seems to be a song that gets people "fired up" ... Sorry couldn't resist!
this guy writes great comedy What? He believes this crap?
This guy's so full of it. Even bill Clinton's urged us not to use arguments that have no basis in fact. When ever one cannot stand up to the greatest challenges ou our generation, he spouts these tired old cliches.
ch83575 wrote:
Ok... not only do the lyrics make be want to barf, the music sucks too! RP, if you want your station to have a political slant that is your prerogative. One of the reasons that I listen to this station is that it is so independent and it CAN have a political slant, even if I do not agree. Most (all?) commercial stations cant claim that sort of freedom. BUT, please... I am begging you here... don't allow your political statement get in the way of the music! Stick to the great music.
Great music without a political slant? Bill would have to play instrumentals 24 hours a day.
Stop this war, if you can help Rage up against the machine if you can
Thanks! True! True! True! True! True! True! Play often! Viet Nam Vet
UltraNurd wrote:
I'd say a few people have taken this song to heart, lit their lighters, and started flaming! :oD
Only you can beat the war. Stop the war.
I'd say a few people have taken this song to heart, lit their lighters, and started flaming! :oD
jpfueler wrote:
Glad to see you've gotten your own little version of "reality"...
Your version of "reality" might carry more weight if your location were South O' Baghdad instead of South O' Fort Worth. Public opinion polling of Iraqis shows the vast majority sees us as occupiers, believes our presence is making things worse, and wants us out. But if you are convinced this little imperialist adventure of ours is noble and just, why aren't you there participating? Maybe a bit too much "reality" for you?
Don't allow your political statement to get in the way of the music, but it's the station's perogative to make a political statement? Aren't you contradicting yourself my friend? The music in this song captured me before I discerned the lyrics. If it's too "left" for you, stick to Fox Noise. ch83575 wrote:
Ok... not only do the lyrics make be want to barf, the music sucks too! RP, if you want your station to have a political slant that is your prerogative. One of the reasons that I listen to this station is that it is so independent and it CAN have a political slant, even if I do not agree. Most (all?) commercial stations cant claim that sort of freedom. BUT, please... I am begging you here... don't allow your political statement get in the way of the music! Stick to the great music.
Ok... not only do the lyrics make be want to barf, the music sucks too! RP, if you want your station to have a political slant that is your prerogative. One of the reasons that I listen to this station is that it is so independent and it CAN have a political slant, even if I do not agree. Most (all?) commercial stations cant claim that sort of freedom. BUT, please... I am begging you here... don't allow your political statement get in the way of the music! Stick to the great music.
Um. I just like this song...
jpfueler wrote:
Glad to see you've gotten your own little version of "reality" Throughout history they have had a name for peacenicks and pacifists: Slaves And as for it being the Religious Right. . . This here non-believer knows what happens when you ignore the Terrorists throughout history (like the Nazi's, Hun, Mongols. . .) Leftwingers, the Lather Rinse Repeat, Repeat of History. Weakening society for millenniums Without Oil, RP, the Net, and your beloved society is gone. Don't worry though. Those of us who know better will continue to protect the sheeple along with the rest.
Screw you, I will protect myself thank you. The ridiculous argument of "We great patriots protect all those sissy lefties so they can protest our great country" has worn incredibly thin. There hasn't been a justifiable war since WW II. The constitution protects my right to free speech and dissent, not a collection of ignorant red-necks who join Blackwater so they can shoot and kill innocent civilians in their own country. If there is ever a clear and present threat to the U.S.A, I will be at the ready to do whatever is needed to protect my country. I see that your occupation is "chemical mixer". Perhaps you should wear a mask and you can save whatever is left of your deteriorating brain.
Uh, hoss, we all have given y'all the last 7 years to elaborate on the south-of-Ft. Worth version of reality, and frankly: ya done made a real hash of it. So, thanks for the offer, but the frat party's over. Sure could use some help cleaning up the mess, though, let us know when the fog lifts. jpfueler wrote:
Glad to see you've gotten your own little version of "reality" Throughout history they have had a name for peacenicks and pacifists: Slaves And as for it being the Religious Right. . . This here non-believer knows what happens when you ignore the Terrorists throughout history (like the Nazi's, Hun, Mongols. . .) Leftwingers, the Lather Rinse Repeat, Repeat of History. Weakening society for millenniums Without Oil, RP, the Net, and your beloved society is gone. Don't worry though. Those of us who know better will continue to protect the sheeple along with the rest.
Most of the Iraqis in the resistance are not Muslim fanatics. They are battling U.S., pardon me, Coalition troops just like they battled the British last century, because we invaded their country. Iraq is only partly wrought by oil, it is also about land and self-determination, the reasons people usually fight each other. Al Qaeda-in-Iraq (or whatever Islamic fanatics there currently call themselves) are only a small, unrepresentative part of the militarized chaos our troops confront every day. To argue otherwise, well, that Bush administration kool-aid sure went down smooth, didn't it? kapetto wrote:
The war in Iraq is like something out of a bad sci-fi novel. It's Christian fanatics, being puppetted by Ameri-global oil buyers, fighting in the for entertainment in the Thunderdome against Muslim fanatics propped up by the oil sellers. Then, at the end of the day, the buyers and sellers sit down and gorge themselves on the proceeds. I've never been a student of the Koran, so I can't speak for the Islamic part in this madness. I do know quite a bit about Christ, however (he's considered one of the major influences on modern fundamentalist christianity; right behind Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, and Billy Graham). The same people who are so proud of asking "What Would Jesus Do?" must have ignored the answer in this case. Franti has it right, "The war for oil is a war for the Beast. The war on 'terror' is a war on peace."
kapetto wrote:
The war in Iraq is like something out of a bad sci-fi novel. It's Christian fanatics, being puppetted by Ameri-global oil buyers, fighting in the for entertainment in the Thunderdome against Muslim fanatics propped up by the oil sellers. Then, at the end of the day, the buyers and sellers sit down and gorge themselves on the proceeds. I've never been a student of the Koran, so I can't speak for the Islamic part in this madness. I do know quite a bit about Christ, however (he's considered one of the major influences on modern fundamentalist christianity; right behind Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, and Billy Graham). The same people who are so proud of asking "What Would Jesus Do?" must have ignored the answer in this case. Franti has it right, "The war for oil is a war for the Beast. The war on 'terror' is a war on peace."
Glad to see you've gotten your own little version of "reality" Throughout history they have had a name for peacenicks and pacifists: Slaves And as for it being the Religious Right. . . This here non-believer knows what happens when you ignore the Terrorists throughout history (like the Nazi's, Hun, Mongols. . .) Leftwingers, the Lather Rinse Repeat, Repeat of History. Weakening society for millenniums Without Oil, RP, the Net, and your beloved society is gone. Don't worry though. Those of us who know better will continue to protect the sheeple along with the rest.
This sounds like a tired imitation of the better songs on "Yell Fire!" Can't have a winner every time, I guess...
Just saw him in Edmonton and he lit up the night! Just fabulous. See these guys live if you ever get the chance!
It has to start somewhere..seagreentay wrote:
boring, middle-of-the-road protest song - lead a protest, don't just talk about it Yawn
You know what's scary? Back in "the day" antiwar music was mainstream. You'd never hear anything like this on commercial radio anymore.
seagreentay wrote:
boring, middle-of-the-road protest song - lead a protest, don't just talk about it Yawn
If you spend some time looking at what he actually does instead of assuming he's just hanging out in a studio booth you'd change that tune. I don't know of many musicians who spend their time IN Iraq with the soldiers he's dedicated this album to
This band really knows how to reach out and grab at HOT issues..EXCELLENT
gotta go maybe visit 365, music sucks here today
kapetto wrote:
... I do know quite a bit about Christ, however (he's considered one of the major influences on modern fundamentalist christianity;
Such a goofball statement betrays the depth of your knowledge... Christ influencing CHRISTianity?? You are 2000 years late with your revelation. And WTF does that have to do with this song
I-Ree Mon .. you got da ganja, you got da Em-Sixteen .. you get da higher den da fyer .. I-Ree mon, smoke de weed, keep up da feed, general's word ya never heed, so scared ya just peed; I-Ree Mon, Ja knows mon... Dang I'm hungry again, where are the Oreos?
I'm not the biggest fan of his music, but Franti certainly got the message right. 9 for that. (Is it 2008 yet?)
The war in Iraq is like something out of a bad sci-fi novel. It's Christian fanatics, being puppetted by Ameri-global oil buyers, fighting in the for entertainment in the Thunderdome against Muslim fanatics propped up by the oil sellers. Then, at the end of the day, the buyers and sellers sit down and gorge themselves on the proceeds. I've never been a student of the Koran, so I can't speak for the Islamic part in this madness. I do know quite a bit about Christ, however (he's considered one of the major influences on modern fundamentalist christianity; right behind Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, and Billy Graham). The same people who are so proud of asking "What Would Jesus Do?" must have ignored the answer in this case. Franti has it right, "The war for oil is a war for the Beast. The war on 'terror' is a war on peace."
I'm always swinging between two poles: Love the album, hate the album. Don't know why I'm so 'broken' in this case....
I'm willing to light up my lighter but I'm wondering what that will accomplish.
I'm in love with the message, but playing him after Ben isn't making him sound so hot
lmic wrote:
Race is a made-up concept. That said, fact check, dude, fact check... According to Wiki, Franti is of African, American Indian, Italian, and German descent.
Whatever
Misterfixit wrote:
Iree, Mon, Iree .... somehow white guys with dreads just can't get that real ganja rap right.
Race is a made-up concept. That said, fact check, dude, fact check. Franti is of African, American Indian, Italian, and German descent.
Iree, Mon, Iree .... somehow white guys with dreads just can't get that real ganja rap right.
eastcoast wrote:
I din't know ganja smokers were so politically active. kind of funny to me.
Me to Elder Boomer Hippy: I would have though you guys would have gotten pot legalized in the 60s. Elder Boomer Hippy: We wanted to, but we were all too stoned.
There is a very funny video on Funny or Die - "Put another Magnet on you SUV" Same sentiment, but funny and the beat's not as good.
Remember 9?11; Nick Berg; Dan Pearl; the Crusades; the Holocaust; Sarajevo; Khmer Rouge; French Revolution; Pol Pot; Dr. Guillotine(inventor of); when Ogg wasted Grunk for his wooly mammoth carcass-the query of import is; "What, besides runnin' yer mouth & showing your lack if understanding, are YOU doing to promote love & peace?"
brevitything wrote:
well, nothing is really negated. i'm willing to discuss anyone's point of view without saying that their argument or position is invalid, or negated as you say. it's all open for discussion, right? the point i was trying to make, in context, is that if american forces left, there would be a religious civil war where kurds would be the worst loser, without a country. there would be kurdish refugees flowing into neighboring countries where they would not be welcome and most of them would probably die. we're talking about a tragic loss of life for just that group. the shiites and sunnis would fight it out in the mean time. it would be a bloody, brutal war where neither side would hesitate to deal destruction whether there are civilians present or not. in fact, shiites would probably deliberately target peaceful sunni gatherings of innocent people and vice versa. there would be no relief efforts for victims coming from either side, while the US is constantly trying to avoid civilian casualties and bring relief efforts with them. what i'm saying is, there is already a body count in iraq, acknowledged, but the body count without US forces present would skyrocket... that's all. i would advocate pulling out of iraq tomorrow if it did not mean worsening the hardship for that country. thanks for taking the time to read the post.
In other words, we are screwed.
eastcoast wrote:
I din't know ganja smokers were so politically active. kind of funny to me.
LOL. You're joking, right?
eastcoast wrote:
I din't know ganja smokers were so politically active. kind of funny to me.
Yeah we smoke joints on the steps of the capitol on 4-20, but then never vote. Funny to me too.
superczhunk wrote:
I can't stand it when the same words or phrases are used in lyrics to rhyme...pet peeve. Seems average to me.
Agreed. "...milk and honey, they only want your money". How creative. I appreciate the message, I just wish the delivery wasn't so trite sometimes.
papaman wrote:
Faya, faya, faya, light up your lighta!
I thought that was "Fire, fire, fire, light up your lighta!".
We need more artists doing what this man is doing!
I din't know ganja smokers were so politically active. kind of funny to me.
Best anti-war song I've heard for the current mess.
rKokon wrote:
Nice reggae beat. Do not like the meaningless background vocal emissions, but the xylophonelike instrument sounded very pretty. Interesting tendentious lyrics . . . "the war on terror is a war on peace" . . . Well, that is simply insane on its face. If only there were a way to give the radical Muslims some serenity pills. Then the nations they inhabit could reach greater success by means of grants from international organizations. Just imagine, if the Western forces no longer experienced roadside bombs and IEDs at all and instead only got signs on the road and messages from the governments saying, "Thank you and goodbye!" Then the Left and the Right could both save face when we retreated (the Libertarians wouldn't care about that). I cannot figure out how to eradicate the insanity of radical Islam at all, but I can tell that "the war on terror is a war on peace" is a modern-day equivalent of several phrases in George Orwell's novel Nineteen Eighty-Four. That was one of the greatest semi-SF novels of all time. That and Animal Farm. Four legs GOOD, two legs be-e-e-e-tt-e-r!
Maybe if Wahabis (growing viewpoint within Islam thanks to petrol dollars) didn't take literal, the verses in the Q'ran that state you should kill kuffirs, the jews and christians are apes and pigs, that mushrakeen (idol worshipers) should be killed, etc... that groups like CAIR who's goal it is to make themselves out to be victims and sugar coat what modern day Islam means, didn't receive money from the Saudis, if buddhist monks weren't being beheaded in Thailand by Muslim fanatics, if Hindus in Kashmir, Pakistan and Bangladesh weren't being subjegated or killed into converting (Pakistan had 10% Hindus 30 years ago, now only 1%, Bangladesh had 30% now 10% - what happened to them?). Can't blame it on Israel or US when you consider places with no relation but the same violence coming from the Umma. The worst part is that people who pride themselves on being 'progressive' and secular are conned by people like CAIR into lumping these very people into the traditional victim camp when in fact it would be secular progressives who would stand to lose the most of these fanatics have their way.
yea michael !!
papaman wrote:
Faya, faya, faya, light up your lighta!
Beavis would have given it a 10
Not that great of a song, not that bad of one, but a really strong message in the lyrics. Have a read.
Faya, faya, faya, light up your lighta!
I can't stand it when the same words or phrases are used in lyrics to rhyme...pet peeve. Seems average to me.
brevitything wrote:
ok, the problem with radical islamic fundamentalism is...
Funny that after 7+ paragraphs, the whole concept of "brevity" is lost.
ElSupreme wrote:
Uhhhh. ... I think there is a 'tragic civil war in' IRAQ with American forces present. So what would be different with 'forces not present'? I am not advocating up and leaving, but your arguement for staying has already been negated.
well, nothing is really negated. i'm willing to discuss anyone's point of view without saying that their argument or position is invalid, or negated as you say. it's all open for discussion, right? the point i was trying to make, in context, is that if american forces left, there would be a religious civil war where kurds would be the worst loser, without a country. there would be kurdish refugees flowing into neighboring countries where they would not be welcome and most of them would probably die. we're talking about a tragic loss of life for just that group. the shiites and sunnis would fight it out in the mean time. it would be a bloody, brutal war where neither side would hesitate to deal destruction whether there are civilians present or not. in fact, shiites would probably deliberately target peaceful sunni gatherings of innocent people and vice versa. there would be no relief efforts for victims coming from either side, while the US is constantly trying to avoid civilian casualties and bring relief efforts with them. what i'm saying is, there is already a body count in iraq, acknowledged, but the body count without US forces present would skyrocket... that's all. i would advocate pulling out of iraq tomorrow if it did not mean worsening the hardship for that country. thanks for taking the time to read the post.
brevitything wrote:
... and there is no doubt that there would be a tragic civil war in iraq if american forces were not present. ...
Uhhhh. ... I think there is a 'tragic civil war in' IRAQ with American forces present. So what would be different with 'forces not present'? I am not advocating up and leaving, but your arguement for staying has already been negated.
mfassett wrote:
Well, if you actually knew anything about Franti and what he stands for, you would not accuse him of parroting ANY party line. Your loss, I'm sure. Even if you don't like what he believes, everything I've seen indicates he operates with quite a bit of integrity. I know it is easy in the USA's stupid good guy/bad guy, blue state/red state, black/white environment to simply dismiss someone's idea because you find something in their politics that makes you believe they are on the "other side." I think it's extremely foolish to do so. I would suggest resisting the temptation and... well, I dunno... actually educating yourself before trying to dismiss someone next time.
"caw, caw, it's about the oil, caw, caw, it's about the oil, caw" Sounds like he's parroting the liberal line to me. Or is that Crow?
ok, the problem with radical islamic fundamentalism is that it is, well, radical. this song is radical as well. under the moniker of peace, it seeks to make the "other side" not only seem wrong, but evil. this leads to further misunderstanding and mistrust on both sides. it's ok to disagree, but do not do so by churning out more hatred and more lies. the only way to deal with radical religious fervor from any source is to educate - and unfortunately, that takes time, maybe generations... many muslims are taught throughout their childhood that the west is evil. that the west (that includes you, me, this web/radio station and everyone) needs to be eradicated. only those who get an education and do not live solely by islamic law realize this is horribly misguided and a tragic thing to teach to children. some say that this is purely a war for oil while forgetting that saddam's goal was to control the flow of oil to the western world and destroy its economies. that saddam was the aggressor who planned to conquer not only kuwait, but qatar, bahrain, and the united arab emirates -- all oil-rich, much smaller, defenseless nations. so, please, do not forget saddam's oil-mongering intentions while you insist that bush's administration is bent on such goals. and saddam had no care in the world for how many people he killed, tortured or raped along the way. which included interrogations of iraqi citizens who's own babies were killed when torture didn't produce results. let us not forget that saddam hussein caused an average of between 70 and 125 civilian deaths per day in iraq over 24 years in power. fellow muslims. whole cities gassed at once. men, women and children who had a different version of the same religion. imagine being a baptist and deciding that your neighboring methodists and catholics must die or be subjugated. this kind of hatred is what has to stop. pointing fingers at one (religious or political) side or the other is just another form of prejudice. a developing manifestation of the hatred that fuels unacceptable prejudices such as racism. remember that after the first gulf war, the intention was not to remove saddam from power and "take iraq's oil". the intention was to liberate kuwait and bring inspections into iraq. the sad truth is that we supported saddam in the war against iran because iran kidnapped americans (among other things), and was an enemy to the US. well, saddam turned around and used what was given him to kill over a million of his own people and invade his neighbors. still, we did not want to control the oil in iraq, or change their leadership. in fact, we put up no-fly zones in the north AND south of iraq to protect the citizens of iraq from saddam himself. imagine, ponder that for a moment. saddam's regime was one of the few governments that expressed satisfaction over what happened on 9-11. saddam pledged to increase the amount of money given to terrorists' familes who who die as suicide bombers to $25,000 instead of $10,000. there is no doubt that saddam had to go. and there is no doubt that there would be a tragic civil war in iraq if american forces were not present. note that halliburton has the contract to bring iraqi oil online, not to own it. after the damage saddam's military caused to the infrastructure of this industry in iraq, haliburton was the only company with the man-power, know-how and resources to get the oil on-line. the oil still belongs to the iraqis. when the iraqi government is able to defend and sustain itself, as a democratic state, it will be selling oil, by iraqis, for iraqi companies, to the world, thanks to the work not just halliburton but other oil companies (and independent contractors) are doing. the only thing i fear is that there will be some radical socialist leader who comes to power in iraq in the future who would nationalize the oil in iraq and continue the hatred against the west and the united states, in particular... just the same as hugo chavez in venezuela. we do not control the oil in venezuela, but the contracts american companies have had there are being revoked by chavez and the result will be an utter destruction of venezuela's economy. and yet there are many in this country who think chavez is a hero all the while he spreads hatred of the US and democracy. i weep at the prospect that some no longer care about democracy or that some view it as a bad word these days. unmistakably, the war in iraq has not gone well for the bush administration, which includes the government, which includes the military, which includes the troops and you and me. we can't simply drop it and leave. let's not think in terms of anger and hatred for one party or another. let's do what we can to support our troops and bring a resolution to the conflict as soon as it is possible. which may take time. then we need to be ambassadors for the west. we need to educate and promote freedom and democracy. let's not forget that. peace
ElSupreme wrote:
I am taking bets on a 8 month over/under (as of this month) on attacking IRAN. Any takers?
That month was Sep 06. I am still taking bets. I still think it is April. I mean shit we just reneged on talking with IRAN, in IRAQs 'neighbor talks'. Why the hell the US was invited is beyond me but ...
rKokon wrote:
... I cannot figure out how to eradicate the insanity of radical Islam at all, but I can tell that "the war on terror is a war on peace" is a modern-day equivalent of several phrases in George Orwell's novel Nineteen Eighty-Four. That was one of the greatest semi-SF novels of all time. That and Animal Farm. Four legs GOOD, two legs be-e-e-e-tt-e-r!
Keen observation. I found the lyrics too grating to hear the Orwellian overtones.
Nice reggae beat. Do not like the meaningless background vocal emissions, but the xylophonelike instrument sounded very pretty. Interesting tendentious lyrics . . . "the war on terror is a war on peace" . . . Well, that is simply insane on its face. If only there were a way to give the radical Muslims some serenity pills. Then the nations they inhabit could reach greater success by means of grants from international organizations. Just imagine, if the Western forces no longer experienced roadside bombs and IEDs at all and instead only got signs on the road and messages from the governments saying, "Thank you and goodbye!" Then the Left and the Right could both save face when we retreated (the Libertarians wouldn't care about that). I cannot figure out how to eradicate the insanity of radical Islam at all, but I can tell that "the war on terror is a war on peace" is a modern-day equivalent of several phrases in George Orwell's novel Nineteen Eighty-Four. That was one of the greatest semi-SF novels of all time. That and Animal Farm. Four legs GOOD, two legs be-e-e-e-tt-e-r!